Why Shift Work Can Affect Sleep — and Your Cycle

Many of our patients in Rochester work nights or rotating shifts. If that's you, you've probably noticed it affects more than your sleep.

Your body clock doesn't move with your schedule

Your internal clock sets the timing of sleep and of hormones like cortisol. Abrupt shifts in when you sleep can disrupt that rhythm.

What research has found

• A large review of meta-analyses found shift work is associated with sleep loss and with higher rates of type 2 diabetes, weight gain and heart disease.
• A meta-analysis of more than 120,000 women found shift work was associated with modestly higher odds of menstrual disruption; the authors did not find enough evidence to recommend restricting shift work.
• In the Nurses' Health Study II, long-term rotating night shifts were modestly associated with irregular cycles.

These are associations from observational studies. They don't mean shift work causes these problems for everyone.

Practical steps worth discussing with your provider

Protecting a consistent sleep window where possible, light and dark cues, and meal timing are common topics. If your cycle changes or sleep problems persist, see your medical provider.

How Seven Medicine can help

Dr. Kristina considers your schedule as part of the whole picture and may offer acupuncture and individualized lifestyle suggestions as supportive care for sleep and stress.